I am Nikkari Aoe. I'm an Oowakizashi that was once an Ootachi. Yes, yes, you think my name is strange as well, don't you? But well, I wonder if you can still laugh about it when you find out that it originates from killing the ghost of a laughing woman.

I am Nikkari Aoe. The celebrated Oowakizashi known for cutting down even ghosts. After being passed from master to master, I've gained a great deal of experience in various areas. Perhaps I can put this to good use for my current master?

Master,
It's a nice night.
The kind of night that makes the ghosts wander out from beneath the willows.
No, no, it's not like I want to slash them.
Though we kill spirits who cause harm and enemies on the battlefield, if we want to kill ghosts that are merely wandering, how would we be any different from vicious murderers?
Though, since I am alone now, it seems like I'm running away from the ghosts instead.

Master,
Spending all my time wandering around aimlessly can't really be called training, right?
I've already decided to train with a former master, but therein lies the problem.
Now, where do you think I shall go? Niwa? Shibata? Toyotomi? Or perhaps the man who cut down that ghost?
All of these are incorrect.
After all, it was the Kyougoku clan who took good care of me.

Master,
People laughed about me being "too good" for the Kyougoku clan — and around the time that I arrived, the head of the household, Takatsugu, was being gossiped about and insulted behind his back as someone who came to power only because of the influence of his master.
But as a matter of fact, I know very well that none of this is true.
Since Takatsugu fought valiantly at Sekigahara, he gained a foothold to bring about the restoration of the clan.
Well, that's just what I wanted to say.
If other people say anything, then all I need to do is to prove them otherwise.
How far will you go, my current Master? Soon I will return to help you answer that question.